Politics, Christianity, and Election Day
How to Navigate the Results of the 2020 Election
by Bruce Hebel
Today, November 3, 2020, Americans are choosing who will be President for the next 4 years. Millions will stand in line to cast their votes, joining the millions who voted early. The events of this day stand as a monument to the uniqueness of the experiment we call the United States of America. Every four years elections are held, followed by either a continuation of or a peaceful transfer to who will sit in the highest office of our land.
Yet, in so many ways, this year has put our national system to the test like never before. The divisiveness and the vitriol are as high as I have seen in my lifetime. Families and friendships are being shattered by the uncivil discourse of the political divide. It is safe to say that half the voters will be unhappy, some extremely so, with the outcome. It is inevitable. There are reports that extremists on both sides are threatening unrest and violence if their prospective candidate loses. As Christ followers, after we have voted, what is our response to be, regardless of the outcome? Here are four Biblical mindsets to consider in the aftermath of the election:
Recognize who is in charge. The One who will govern on Inauguration Day on January 20, 2021 is the same One who governs today, the same One who governed 6 years ago, the same One who governed 600 years ago and the same One who governed 6,000 years ago. God is the omnipotent, incomparable sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe. All authority resides in Him and all human authority is granted by Him. “For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm. God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne.” (Psalms 47:7-8) “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1). The outcome of today’s election will not shock or disappoint God. He has a sovereign plan for the ages. While in our democracy it is important to make wise choices that honor God when we vote, we can rest in the truth that God has not lost control of His universe and He never will.
Remember that we are citizens of a higher Kingdom. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21). “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (Corinthians 5:20) As ambassadors for Christ, we are to be “in the world but not of the world,” which means our loyalty is to Heaven and our assignment is to reflect His glory on the earth. Therefore, we are never undone by the affairs of state on the earth.
Respect (honor) those who are placed in authority over us. Honor is not an option for us as believers. “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond slaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:13-17) “Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.” (Romans 13:2)
Honor is to be a hallmark of our lives as believers in Christ. To honor doesn’t mean we agree or endorse a leader’s policies, beliefs, or lifestyle. We don’t have to like them and we can be vehemently opposed to how they are leading our country. But if we are led by the Spirit, we will honor them as image bearers of God and we will honor the office God has placed them in. “Honor all men” means ALL MEN. A primary way to honor our leaders is to pray for them. First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim 2:1-4) Respecting our leaders is an act of faith that honors God.
Refocus our eyes off of the politics and onto our Lord. “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Whatever we focus on has us! Whatever we focus on other than Jesus will dominate our thoughts and emotions while the image of Jesus fades out of focus. When we focus on Jesus, everything else fades out of focus as our perspective aligns with His.
Since our citizenship is in Heaven and Jesus is our Lord, our focus has to be upward. Our assignment is on earth but our home is not here. Therefore, though we may glance at Washington, we must set our gaze on Jesus. He is where we find Peace and perspective no matter what happens on Election Day.
